Revelation 11:8

Bodies. Textual evidence is divided ( cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “body.” However, the singular form would be used collectively as is the term “mouth” in v. 5 (see comment there).

Shall lie. To leave a dead body unburied has ever been considered a revolting indignity (cf. Ps. 79:2, 3). See on Rev. 11:9.

The great city. The fact that this city is said to be the one “where also our Lord was crucified” would seem to identify it as Jerusalem, the “holy city” of v. 2. However, many commentators have understood the expression “where also our Lord was crucified” figuratively, as the names Sodom and Egypt are doubtless to be understood. Hence they identify “the great city” as France, which, toward the close of the 1260-year period, manifested the characteristics symbolized by these expressions. Generally speaking, Seventh-day Adventists hold this latter view.

Spiritually. Gr. pneumatikōs, that is, not literally, but by a spiritual figure of speech (cf. Isa. 1:10).

Sodom. Sodom is symbolic of moral degradation (Eze. 16:46–55). Such was the condition of France during the Revolution.

Egypt. This country was known for its denial of the existence of the true God and for its defiance of the commands of God. Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice …? I know not the Lord” (Ex. 5:2). These attitudes were characteristic of the leaders of the Revolution in France.

Crucified. That is, in the person of His followers, many of whom perished in the persecutions in France.